The 1972 Fran Tarkenton Trade: Minnesota Paid a Huge Package to Bring Its Franchise Quarterback Home
The Vikings reacquired Fran Tarkenton from the Giants for players and premium picks. Tarkenton later won league MVP and quarterbacked three Minnesota Super Bowl teams.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Fran Tarkenton
- player undisclosed consideration
New York Giants Received
- player Norm Snead
- player Bob Grim
- player Vince Clements / Vin Clements
- pick 1972 first round pick (#24-Larry Jacobson)
- pick 1973 second round pick (#40-Brad Van Pelt)
- player undisclosed consideration
Trade Summary
Minnesota reacquired Fran Tarkenton from the Giants for Norm Snead, Bob Grim, Vince Clements, a 1972 first-round pick, and a 1973 second-round pick that became Brad Van Pelt. New York received a real package, including a future five-time Pro Bowler. But Tarkenton stabilized Minnesota's offense and became the quarterback of the Vikings' Super Bowl-window years. That timing controlled the verdict.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Minnesota reacquired Fran Tarkenton from the New York Giants in January 1972, five years after trading him away. The Vikings sent quarterback Norm Snead, receiver Bob Grim, running back Vince Clements and premium draft capital to New York. The exact package was expensive by any era's standard because Minnesota was buying back an established franchise quarterback rather than taking a chance on a prospect.
Why Minnesota Reversed Course
The Vikings had already built one of football's elite defenses, but they needed a quarterback capable of sustaining a championship window. Tarkenton knew the organization, remained a high-level player and brought a style that could create offense even when a play broke down.
The first season back was uneven, but the long-term result justified the patience. From 1973 through 1976, Minnesota reached three Super Bowls. Tarkenton won the league MVP award in 1975 and ultimately retired as the NFL's career leader in major passing categories at the time.
What the Giants Received
New York did not receive an empty package. Snead gave the Giants veteran quarterback play, and one of the draft choices became linebacker Brad Van Pelt, who developed into a five-time Pro Bowler and a major piece of the Giants defense. That keeps the deal from being a one-sided asset failure.
But the Vikings were not trying to win the trade by accumulating more total contributors. They were trying to acquire the quarterback who could maximize an already elite roster. Tarkenton did exactly that.
Why Quarterback Value Dominates the Verdict
Premium quarterbacks change the ceiling of a team in ways that are difficult to reproduce with several good players. Minnesota surrendered depth and draft flexibility, yet received seven more seasons from a Hall of Fame quarterback and sustained contention throughout much of that period.
Final Verdict
Minnesota wins. New York's return included meaningful value, particularly Van Pelt, so the Giants deserve more credit than a simple loser label suggests. But Tarkenton became the offensive leader of three additional Super Bowl teams and an MVP. Minnesota paid a premium and received premium quarterback value.